what is this tree
The following thread was started by iwan on March 25, 2008 at 9:18 pm PST
After viewing a blown up image of this picture, the flowers look kind of like a Chitalpa or trumpet vine in shape. This tree is at a welding shop, but there is also a large cactus collection and a large Parkinsonia, so the owner is definitely into uncommon plants.
The above followup was added by iwan on March 25, 2008 at 9:23 pm PST.
I just noticed you can see part of the Parkinsonia at the right of the first picture.
Robert
Madera, CA
The above followup was added by iwan on March 25, 2008 at 9:29 pm PST.
Looks like an Empress tree, Paulownia tomentosa, that's just starting to leaf out. The leaves will be much larger once the flowers drop.
The above followup was added by Steve in Brookings on March 25, 2008 at 9:33 pm PST.
Steve,
I hadn't even thought of that. I have a few here and one flowered for the first time last year but it was sparse. I have never seen a mature tree in person. Mine are leafing out already and no signs of blooms this year. Funny I have never noticed this tree in bloom before. Will have to see how the foliage comes out.
Robert
The above followup was added by iwan on March 25, 2008 at 10:25 pm PST.
It looks like a paulownia. I have seen several large specimens like that one. There is one in Fresno in a northwest subdivision. You could see it from Golden State Blvd north of Shaw Ave. It is not recognizable when its not in bloom though. The other place i've seen mature paulownia trees is in Farmersville, right off of 198.
The above followup was added by Jdiaz on March 25, 2008 at 10:34 pm PST.
Yeah its Pawlonia for sure! The fastest growing tree I have ever seen! The leaves can be GIANT. It ssoooo hardy, to 0F but looks tropical. Very cool tree.
carlo
The above followup was added by carlo-zone 16 on March 29, 2008 at 9:04 pm PST.